Platter Liners

Datelate 18th-early 19th century

MediumDrape-molded Chinese export porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (width x depth): 14 1/2 x 11 3/4in. (36.8 x 29.8cm)

ClassificationsCeramics

Credit LineBequest of George Dudley Seymour

Object number1945.1.1442.1-.2

DescriptionOval, Chinese export porcelain pierced platter liner with hand-painted underglaze cobalt blue in the Fitzhugh pattern. The Fitzhugh pattern consists of four groups of flowers spaced evenly around a circular central medallion. In this case of this liner, the four groups of flowers also include some of the symbols for the Eight Taoist Immortals, including a fan and a sword. The central panel is a circular floral arrangement surrounded by a blue border consisting of a band of blue with darker lines creating a diamond pattern inside. At four points, this border is interrupted by an area with a small white animal (possibly a dog). The central panel is surrounded by a "Nanking" border, consisting of a series of alternating thick and thin lines with a pattern of dots crossing the thicker lines. The entire Fitzhugh pattern, the central medallion and four panels of flowers, is surrounded by three rows of holes which were probably pierced by hand. This is surrounded by two additional borders at the rim. The first is the "Nanking" border, followed by a band of blue with darker lines creating a diamond, or lattice, pattern inside.

NotesUse Note: Platter and pierced liner sets are believed to have been used to serve meat or fish. The juice from the meat would run down the holes in the liner and collect in the platter. (Hunt 9/1/2004)

Status

Not on view